20 PS2 Games That Still Hold Up

Even though the recent Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater remake was amazing, it didn't have the same impact as the original, purely because the 2004 version was pretty much perfect.

Hideo Kojima's acclaimed prequel follows Big Boss this time around, taking part in a murky mission in a Cold War-era jungle. This shift provided a fresh backdrop and emphasised survival mechanics, forcing players to manage stamina, heal wounds manually, and camouflage around their surroundings. Though these features could be tedious in theory, they helped root the gameplay firmly in reality, allowing players to accept the more extravagant aspects (like when you fight a man made of bees).

As can be seen with the encounter with The End, Snake Eater provides some of the most innovative boss battles ever seen. The central relationship between our hero and his mentor is intricately tragic, keeping players invested from beginning to end.

The endlessly evolving narrative constantly throws curveballs, so players never know what's going to happen next. Of course, it leaves its greatest bombshell for the epilogue, culminating in a heartbreaking finale that still affects players today.